The Seafood Tower: Everything you need to know about Broad Street Oyster Company’s Seafood Tower
Nothing commands attention like the picturesque, photogenic, Instagram-worthiness of a seafood tower at Broad Street Oyster Co. Stacked high and displayed with grandeur, heads turn to catch a glimpse of the oceanic spectacle brought out from the kitchen. A true celebration of the sea, the tower showcases a combination of raw oysters, shrimp cocktail, stone crab claws, caviar, daily crudo, and sea urchin with generous condiments displayed in ramekins and garnished with plenty of lemon. It’s cold, fresh, and invigorating. Though sometimes intimidating, when done by the right hands the seafood tower is a downright party.
Chef Christopher Tompkins started Broad Street Oyster Co. with this philosophy in mind. “We’re all about high-brow/low-brow,” said Tompkins. “I love the idea of walking up to the window, ordering a $150 seafood tower, and then just hanging out and eating with friends. It doesn’t have to be within the dark booths of a steakhouse with servers. We’re just trying to make it all feel a bit more approachable.”
With this easygoing vibe Broad Street Oyster Co. welcomes all with open arms at their elevated crab shacks in Malibu, Downtown LA (Grand Central Market and Smorgasburg LA), Santa Barbara, and Smorgasburg Miami. Their seafood tower is a star at each location, breaking the mold for what many may expect. Beginning with the seafood tower itself, Broad Street Oyster Co. threw the rules out the window and opted to serve the tower laid out on a jumbo platter. By removing the pedestal-esque display, they helped democratize the whole experience. This seafood tower is literally low profile, whilst maintaining a high impact.
Presentation aside, the seafood tower is the main event. No other dish commemorates the taste of the ocean quite like a seafood tower.
There’s something about its simplicity that allows each component to shine, on its own and together with its counterparts. Freshly shucked raw oysters on the half shell dot the perimeter, and the harmonious options for addition are equally luxurious: shrimp cocktail, stone crab claws, briny caviar, live sea urchin, daily crudo, there’s no wrong combination in decadence. The seafood tower is accompanied by classic condiments like a mignonette, hot sauce, horseradish, and lemon wedges. Laid upon a mound of pebbled ice, the arrangement of shells, spines, and legs beckons a feeling of an underwater picnic.
Broad Street Oyster Co.’s casual approach to the seafood tower makes it perfect for a family party, work event, happy hour with friends, or any other group occasion worth saluting in the seasalt air. Toast with a little bubbly, as no seafood tower is complete without an adult beverage. Anything sparkling will pair perfectly, whether it's some champagne, brut Cava, or even a beer. Broad Street Oyster Co. has a fridge full of ice cold libations, making a laid back evening feel like a party on the beach. The seafood tower is a communal experience, meant to be celebratory. Order at the window, find a table or beach blanket, and enjoy your drink. Once the seafood tower lands, it effortlessly brings those closest to you even closer.